Applicants
Your next step.
A little clearer.
If you have been referred to LizB&Che, this guide explains what may happen next, what to prepare and how to stay in touch.
We help coordinate the housing process with you, your referrer and the housing provider. Your contact can explain the steps that apply to your household.
Start here
Have you been referred?
ALREADY REFERRED
Contact the person handling your case for updates. If you do not know who that is, ask our team to help you find the right contact.
NOT YET REFERRED
Speak to your housing officer or support worker about a referral. If you are unsure where to start, our team can explain the appropriate enquiry route.
An enquiry is a starting point. Any housing offer depends on the relevant assessment, checks and availability.
What happens next
What your housing journey may involve.
These stages are a guide. The order and timing depend on your referral, your household’s needs and the homes available. Ask your contact where your case is up to.
LizB&Che coordinates the process. The relevant council or housing provider makes the decisions that fall within its role.
01
A first conversation
We discuss your household’s circumstances and housing needs. Tell us about any accessibility requirements or locations that would be difficult for you.
02
Prepare your information
Your contact explains which documents are needed, the dates they should cover and how to send them. Ask if anything is unclear or difficult to obtain.
03
Explore suitable opportunities
If a potentially suitable home is identified, we help coordinate your details being put forward to the provider. The provider carries out its own assessment.
04
Prepare for a possible move
If an offer progresses, your contact explains the next steps with the provider. Confirm the tenancy details, any agreed payments and handover arrangements before making plans to move.
What to prepare
A practical document checklist.
Your contact will confirm what is needed for your case and the dates each document should cover. Use this as a guide to prepare. Wait for submission instructions before sending documents.
01
Identity
A passport or other identity evidence requested for your application. Your contact will explain any additional evidence needed.
02
Income & benefits
Payslips, Universal Credit statements or evidence of other income and benefits, as requested.
03
Bank statements
Bank statements for the period specified by your contact. Ask which accounts and pages are needed.
04
National Insurance
An official document showing your National Insurance number, if requested.
05
Current address
A tenancy document, utility bill or other evidence your contact confirms is appropriate to your circumstances.
06
Need help obtaining something?
Let your contact know as soon as possible. They can explain what alternatives may be accepted or who to ask for help.
Before you send anything
Keep your documents
in the right hands.
Only send the documents requested for your case. Your named contact will explain where and how to provide them.
DO
Check the recipient and submission instructions before sending. If a request or link looks unfamiliar, confirm it with the team using contact details you already trust.
KEEP GENERAL ENQUIRIES BRIEF
Do not attach identity documents, bank statements or medical information to an initial general enquiry.
During the process
Keep us informed.
Tell your contact about changes to your household, income, housing requirements or contact details.
Tell us if you need information explained differently, help with documents or an adjustment to how we communicate. We can discuss what is possible with you.
After moving in
Know who to contact.
At handover, confirm who your main contact will be. This will usually be your landlord, housing provider or council.
Keep the contact details for repairs, rent queries and any ongoing support. If you are unsure who is responsible, ask before the handover is completed.
Questions about your next step?
Start with your named contact.
For an update on your case, contact the person handling it. For a general question or help finding your contact, speak to our team.
For urgent housing assistance, contact your local council’s housing service. LizB&Che is not an emergency housing service.